Rusty Tools

Billy Showell School of Art Verified independent store

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In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to paint a small collection of rusty tools, using their worn surfaces and simple shapes as a great opportunity to explore colour and texture. We ’ll begin by mixing a range of rich rusty oranges, browns and deep greys before using masking fluid to preserve some of the brightest highlights. I’ll then demonstrate how to work wet-in-wet and use salt to create the irregular, weathered textures that make old metal so interesting to paint. As the painting develops, I’ll show you how to build up the darker areas, strengthen the shapes and add further texture using techniques including dry brushing, lifting and layering. We’ll also look at how small changes in colour and mark-making can help the tools feel more metallic, scratched and naturally rusted. This is a fun, relaxed project for practising texture and experimenting with some wonderfully unpredictable watercolour effects. Show more